Mission, vision and activities

The European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (EFORT) is the platform organisation linking Europe‘s national orthopaedic associations. Its aims reflect the will of all the participating associations to promote the exchange of scientific knowledge and experience in the field of prevention and both the conservative and surgical treatment of diseases and injuries concerning the musculo-skeletal system. To this end, particular emphasis is placed upon activities focusing on education and research.

EFORT was established by the national associations for orthopaedics and traumatology from twenty European countries. The Federation was founded in Marentino, Italy, in 1991, and today has 41 national member societies from 39 member countries, as well as 13 associate scientific members.

EFORT today also promotes collaboration with the European Specialty Societies and has established close links to International Societies.

In terms of its legal structure, EFORT was established as a non-profit organisation and all funds are used exclusively in the pursuit of the Federation‘s aims.

The European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (EFORT) works on behalf of the European orthopaedic and traumatology community to restore and secure mobility, musculoskeletal health and quality of life.

EFORT is established as a pan-European partner for international organisations, authorities, universities, industry, scientific bodies and professional and patient organisations in the field of musculoskeletal disease and trauma. As a non-profit professional organisation, EFORT provides important services and benefits. EFORT‘s primary mission comprises the:

Representation of state-of-the-art orthopaedics and musculoskeletal traumatology in Europe

Promotion of research, science and training in orthopaedics and traumatology in Europe

Exchange of scientific experience and knowledge and the improvement of education and training

Formulation of EFORT standards and guidelines for the various areas of activity pursued by our members.

In the pursuit of its aims, EFORT organises an annual European congress and within the congress, Interactive Expert Exchange (IEE) sessions, Instructional Lectures (ILs), an Advanced Course in Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement, a Comprehensive Review Course (CRC) and an Easy Evidence Update session. EFORT’s new Education Platform known as the ‘European Orthopaedic and Traumatology Education Platform’ (EOTEP) will soon offer the possibility for member societies (national and specialty) to promote their branded educational programmes on this platform.

EFORT and EFORT Foundation are recognized as representing an outstanding level of orthopaedics and traumatology in Europe by promoting exchanges of experience, knowledge, education and research throughout Europe. For some time now, EFORT and EFORT Foundation have organised successful fellowships.

In the EFORT Travelling Fellowship, EFORT National Member Associations alternate in hosting a group of 14 young European orthopaedic surgeons during one week every Spring and Autumn. In the Mark Paterson Travelling Fellowship (supported by BJJ and EFORT), which is organised every year, three young orthopaedic surgeons are selected to spend two weeks visiting three European orthopaedic centres of excellence alternatively between the UK or mainland Europe, culminating in attendance at either the EFORT or BOA Congresses.

EFORT Foundation Visiting Fellowships allow young orthopaedic surgeons around the world to spend a minimum of one month and maximum of one year (length varies according to the fellowships) in a pre-defined and approved host centre hospital in Europe.

Related to those efforts, the EFORT European Instructional Lectures are now published within the annual print copy of EFORT Open Reviews (EOR) which launched in January 2016. EOR embodies high quality instruction review articles on all aspects of orthopaedics and traumatology. All articles have open access with no subscription required. In addition the ‘European Surgical Orthopaedics and Traumatology’ publication and known as the ‘EFORT Textbook’ is a major source of education and guidance in surgical practice for surgeons and trainees, especially those preparing for higher surgical examinations and the Board of Orthopaedics and Traumatology examinations within and beyond Europe.